Snake Venom packs a punch
In addition to the typical beer brewing process, Brewmeister incorporates several additional crucial steps to create a beer with an exceptionally high alcohol content. The brewing involves two types of yeast and smoked peated malt, which imparts a smoky flavor reminiscent of whisky. Champagne is also included in the recipe, making the core ingredients somewhat unconventional yet not entirely outlandish. However, once the brewing is finished and the fortification process begins, Snake Venom transforms into a formidable beer.
Snake Venom undergoes two strengthening processes. The first, and likely the most time-consuming, involves repeatedly freezing the beer to eliminate ice crystals, thereby intensifying its flavor and potency. The already robust beer is then fortified with additional alcohol to elevate its ABV to an astonishing level. This second method is akin to how fortified wines, like vermouth, are enhanced, but Snake Venom takes it to a whole new level by adding alcohol rather than another spirit. The final product is available for those daring enough to try it. A bottle comes at a price, typically around $63 depending on your location, but it can be enjoyed if you're feeling adventurous. Just remember to heed the warning label!
Beithir Fire is a burning blend
Similar to its Scottish counterpart, 88 Brewery must engage in some clever manipulation to elevate its beer to the remarkable 75% ABV that justifies the striking warning label. However, in contrast to Snake Venom, which blends its beer ingredients for maturation before fortifying, Beithir Fire adopts a different method. The end result is a beer that genuinely delivers heat and pushes the limits of what can even be classified as "beer."
Beithir Fire starts its journey with a brief two-month period as a Scottish barley ale, during which additional yeast, sweet barley, and hops are incorporated. After this initial phase, it evolves into the Beithir Fire you can purchase, representing a robust fusion of what 88 Brewery refers to as "Scotland's most renowned products: beer and distilled spirits." While it isn't explicitly stated that Scotch whisky is the distilled spirit involved, it is certainly suggested through both the brewing process and the distinctive flavor profile. Once the beer and spirit are combined to achieve the targeted 75% ABV, the mixture undergoes fermentation and is then filtered three times to produce a pure (yet still extremely potent) final product. Priced similarly to Snake Venom and with limited availability, finding Beithir Fire may require some effort. Nevertheless, it is certainly not impossible to track down if you're on the hunt for a truly formidable 35-milliliter drink.
These beers are strong, but are they any good?
Claiming to be among the strongest beers in the world is all well and good, but what does that really mean if the beers themselves fall short? While Snake Venom and Beithir Fire are undoubtedly limited in flavor due to their high alcohol content, there are still some enjoyable notes to discover, especially when considering the fundamental ingredients used in their brewing. So, what can you anticipate when you pour a glass of these heavyweight brews?
Let’s start with the glassware. The type of glass you choose for beer matters, but for these brews, even the standard options feel oversized given their relatively small serving size. Brewmeister includes a small, Glencairn-style glass with each bottle of Snake Venom, which can also be used for Beithir Fire. Both beers present a dark amber color and lack a carbonated head due to their thick, liquor-like consistency. In terms of flavor, both deliver a strong, intense burn from the alcohol that eventually reveals more nuanced tastes. Snake Venom is said to have notes of malt and caramel, while Beithir Fire is described as having a sweeter profile with hints of butterscotch. However, many of these flavors only become apparent after navigating the challenging experience of that first sip. If you’re in search of a novelty beer that should be savored like a spirit to be shared, then Snake Venom or Beithir Fire could be worth seeking out.
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